How do lateral moves by senior MDs work?

I am curious to know the mechanics of lateral moves by very successful senior investment banking MDs. These moves likely require lots of negotiation in advance, so it must be a challenge to maintain confidentiality. Are there headhunters that specialize in these types of moves? Who makes the outreach? How are these moves socialized internally at the new firm? 

If the current firm catches wind of a potential move in advance, they will probably go to huge lengths to scuttle the deal. 

This stuff interests me because it probably involves a fair amount of intrigue and strategy. 

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, lateral moves by senior MDs in investment banking can indeed be complex and require a lot of negotiation. These moves often happen when a seat opens up at another company and everyone is trying to jump at it.

Maintaining confidentiality during these moves can be a challenge. It's not uncommon for these moves to be facilitated by specialized headhunters or through personal networks within the industry. The outreach can be made by either party - the MD looking for a new opportunity or the firm with an open position.

As for how these moves are socialized internally at the new firm, it can vary. It might be kept quiet until the deal is finalized to avoid any potential disruptions.

If the current firm catches wind of a potential move, they might indeed try to retain the MD, perhaps by offering better terms or incentives.

Remember, this is a high-stakes game with a lot of moving parts, so it's all about strategy and timing.

Sources: Difficulty of getting MD role?, The Work Always Gets Done, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/lateral-internally-from-st-ft-to-ibd-ft-bb-tips-story-and-advice?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/real-estate/when-is-a-move-not-a-lateral-move?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Nobis aut possimus inventore totam aut odit. Atque eaque eos reiciendis. Dolorem culpa aut itaque odio. Blanditiis quas est unde enim dignissimos.

Quia voluptatibus similique dolor sunt quidem aut. Voluptas voluptatibus suscipit aut iusto. Voluptas quibusdam temporibus enim non pariatur a sapiente.

Eum vel cumque facilis dolore blanditiis similique. Id ut nobis praesentium tenetur minus fugiat. Iure incidunt tenetur aut nulla sit.

Quis accusantium expedita et iusto tempore. Aut consequatur officiis neque voluptatem eos earum. Rerum rerum impedit id enim enim amet et. Dolores et illum perspiciatis eligendi rerum. Similique sint velit iste totam et molestias rerum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”